Can we get some more of that non-SF-approved mainstream shit? Brands I would like to see on this list that come it at a very high price point:

Jil Sander

Alexander McQueen

Gucci

Pucci

Dsquared

Fendi

Dolce & Gabbana

Prada

Lanvin

Raf Simons

Roberto Cavalli

Moschino

John Varvatoes

Christian Dior / Dior Homme

Armani Black Label

Etro

Valentino

Versace

Neil Barrett

I'm assuming most of these make at least the bottom least, but obviously curious if they scrape the top as I see them in the store all the time (unlike most of the brands mentioned on the top-tier list).

What exactly separates the high end from the mid end? What exactly is better quality? How can the uninitiated determine which has better construction? I don't ask to criticize. I ask because I have absolutely no idea how to tell a good tie from a great tie. Other than how one holds up and the feel I suppose. Also, what about the XMI Platinum sold at Nordstroms? I don't own one, but I've read a few very positive reviews about them. I like my RT's BOC.

Your question is a good one and there are many points of view. A quick summary: Almost all well known good ready made brands will have good constructions. Some brands use thicker interlinings or other small construction variations. How a tie knots is typically a matter of preference All hand made ties will have a better fit and finish and hand made - custom ties will have the best fit and finish and are in a higher class of tie construction than what you will find in a store. With that said a classic Brooks Brother tie (especially if purchased on sale) works well. If you have been wearing ties for a while gradually experiment with what you like - new textures and shapes and sizes - you will end up with what works best for your style. Robert Talbott use very good quality silks and has good tie constructions. XMI is also a good brand with some nice silks.

Agreed on Altea - they're not the best ties ever but they're readily and cheaply available, which has to count for something, right?

Also, I'd actually submit that the recent Zegna mainline ties should be moved to the top tier - the "selvedge-tip-label" versions. The older ones, definitely lower tier. It's just like how older Brionis often are less impressive than newer Brionis - only the newer Zegnas are worlds above the older Zegnas.

Finally, this was commented on earlier, but I'd mention it again: there's a LOT of variation in your "top tier" as it stands. To shoot fish in a barrel, compare Kiton/Attolini/Marinella/Tom Ford/Charvet with RT BOC or RLBL or Ben Silver.

Oh, and an interesting note: the Church's ties appear to be made by the same factory Zegna uses, or at least share care tags, construction details and sewing styles. Or at least that's been the case for the ones I've compared.

I realize this thread hasn't been touched in a while, but I just wanted to thank those who contributed to it. Familiarizing myself with the different brands isn't an easy task: having a list of highly regarded names makes things a bit easier for me.